Page 4 - Livestock and Companion Animals
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30  •  ANIMAL BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY

                     is an animal without a backbone. Examples of invertebrates include shrimp, crawfish, hon-
                     eybees, spiders, mites, earthworms, and snails.
                        Vertebrates belong to the Phylum Chordata and to the Subphylum Verbrata. They have
                     many common characteristics. They have vertebrae (bones and cartilage) that surround the
                     nerve cord. Bones make up the internal skeleton that provides the body’s framework. Verte-
                     brates have a skull that protects the brain. They also have an axial skeleton made of the
                     backbone and skull. Paired limbs (arms and legs) are attached to the axial skeleton. Finally,
                     muscles provide movement by being attached to the skeleton.


                                                               CLASSES

                                                                 Animals are in several classes. The three
                                                               main classes are birds (Aves), bony fish
                                                               (Osteichthyes), and mammals (Mammalia).
                                                               Snakes, shellfish, turtles, and alligators are
                                                               examples in other classes.


                                                               Birds

                                                                 Some 9,000 species of birds have been
                                                               identified. Birds belong to the class Aves.
             2–4. Birds, such as this Tucan, belong to the class Aves. The
             Tucan is more like other birds than it is like mammals and fish.  Birds can live in the air, on land, or in the
                                                               water. Most birds are wild; a few have been



                                        C A R E E R P R O F I L E


                                                   ANIMAL TRAINER

                         An animal trainer works with animals to help them gain the desired skills to meet human needs.
                       Training varies with the kind of animal and the behavior that is desired. Horses are trained for riding.
                       Mules may be trained to pull a heavy load. Cattle are trained to lead in a show halter or to enter a stan-
                       chion.
                                                                    Animal trainers need a good understanding
                                                                  of the biology of the animals they are working
                                                                  with. They need to understand the nature of the
                                                                  animal and how it responds to human
                                                                  demands. Animal trainers need to be patient
                                                                  and always consider the well-being of an ani-
                                                                  mal. Practical experience with animals is essen-
                                                                  tial. Many animal trainers learn the trade under
                                                                  the direction of an experienced trainer.
                                                                    Jobs for animal trainers are found on farms
                                                                  or ranches where animals are trained. This
                                                                  photo shows a trainer working with a mule to
                                                                  teach it a desired behavior. (Courtesy, Lucky
                                                                  Three Ranch, Inc.)
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